The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) recognized Monroe Community College and the University of Rochester with a High Performance Building Plaque last week for energy-saving investments that will reduce energy costs by a combined $167,000 annually.

Monroe Community College’s PAC Center and the University of Rochester’s renovated Data Center were supported by $300,000 in NYSERDA incentives, which helped fund the purchase and installation of advanced energy efficiency technologies, including high performance lighting and occupancy controls, high efficiency fans, pumps and motors and a water-side economizer, which uses free outdoor air to cool water used in data center air handling systems, among other measures.

“Energy efficiency and sustainable building materials are the most cost-effective investments college and universities can make for long-term savings and a healthy indoor learning and work environment for students, faculty and staff,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “I commend the leadership of these academic institutions for the high priority they have placed on conserving energy and protecting our environment.”

“NYSERDA’s support of Monroe Community College’s sustainability program and the PAC Center reaps positive returns for our community,” said MCC President Anne M. Kress, Ph.D. “Together with Monroe County and our building partners, we are honored to receive NYSERDA’s High Performance Building award, recognizing the college’s efforts to reduce energy consumption and incorporate sustainable building practices.”

“The University of Rochester has made sustainability a guiding principle in facilities planning,” said David E. Lewis, Vice Provost and Chief Information Officer at the University of Rochester. “The NYSERDA incentives made it possible to build a sustainable, energy-efficient Data Center that supports the diverse and evolving needs of a world-class research university and a premier regional health care system.”

The energy savings—more than 945,000 kilowatt hours—is equivalent to the amount of electricity consumed by 137 single-family homes annually and will be realized by these institutions every year for years to come.

NYSERDA High Performance Building Plaques are presented to hospitals, colleges and universities, schools, businesses and other organizations that have constructed or substantially renovated buildings to perform at least 30 percent above the New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code.

Monroe Community College and the University of Rochester are the 49th and 50th recipients of the plaque, and their new buildings are rated to perform 33% and 42% above code, respectively. Other Rochester Region recipients of this award include the City of Rochester Water Authority, Roberts Wesleyan College’s Golisano Library and the YMC East Side in Penfield.

Since 2009, NYSERDA has provided more than $6.5 million to help reduce electricity consumption by approximately 22.8 million kilowatt hours in 119 new construction projects throughout Monroe County—the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of nearly 3,315 single-family homes.

NYSERDA’s New Construction Program provides assistance to incorporate energy efficiency measures and sustainable building practices into the design, construction and operation of new or substantially renovated buildings. Green building incentives also are available to customers pursuing LEED certification. These measures are designed to save energy through reduced electricity demand, and therefore reduce building operating costs.

For existing facilities, NYSERDA incentives can be used for lighting retrofits, upgrades to motors systems, energy management systems, heating and cooling systems and other operations. Assistance also is available for energy audits to help indentify cost-effective opportunities to increase energy efficiency, develop greenhouse gas emission inventories and more.

The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is a green living expert, celebrity and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and a Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from:
# Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions)
# Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman
# Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel
# Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky
# Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley
# Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke
# Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley
# Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea
# and more green living books to follow.

The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is a green living expert, celebrity and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and a Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from:
# Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions)
# Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman
# Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel
# Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky
# Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley
# Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke
# Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley
# Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea
# and more green living books to follow.